NEWS

News May-21-2018

NOLA Gold Named Major League Rugby Team of the Week

NOLA Gold Named Major League Rugby Team of the Week

Seattle Seawolves’ Vili Toluta’u Named Player of the Week

SALT LAKE CITY (May 21, 2018) – The NOLA Gold were named the Major League Rugby Team of the Week the League announced today. The Gold secured a crucial 24-20 win against the Houston SaberCats to put the team in playoff position halfway through the inaugural season.

After a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair in the opening 40 minutes, it was NOLA’s gritty defensive effort in the second half that ultimately sealed the win. A high tackle in the 54th minute from Houston’s Zach Pangelinan resulted in his second yellow card of the match, forcing the SaberCats to play man down. NOLA wasted no time capitalizing with a Taylor Howden kick to give the Gold a 24-17 lead. That was all the home side needed to improve to 2-2.

Seattle’s Vili Toluta’u earned Player of the Week honors. Toluta’u led the Seawolves’ 41-point offensive onslaught with two tries and tremendous carries throughout the match. After a slow start against Utah’s fast and physical play, Seattle settled in with a strong defensive effort helped by Toluta’u’s high tackle rate.

About MLR

MLR is a professional rugby league that launched in April of 2018. It’s an initiative of the American rugby community, in partnership with private investors, who believe that American rugby can thrive at the highest levels: as a commercial enterprise; as an influential player on the international scene; and as a participation sport at the youth and senior level. MLR is the pinnacle of the American rugby, and provides a rallying point for local communities, a focal point for American rugby fans, and an aspirational destination for young athletes.